Yasmine? What''s she doing here at the school?


    Just as Selena was about to get a closer look, she felt a sudden tug at her legs. Little Mateo hadunched himself at her, wrapping his arms tightly around her leg and looking up with those big, eager eyes. "Mommy, I''ve missed you so much!" Her focus instantly shifted, and she couldn''t help but smile as she gently stroked his cheek. "I missed you too, sweetheart."


    That little interruption pulled her attention away, and when she nced back, the crowd had thickened, and Yasmine was nowhere to be seen. Selena''s brow furrowed slightly. Had she imagined it?


    Alex had mentioned in confidence that after the engagement party, Everett had dealt with Yasmine. With no money, connections, or education, Yasmine wouldn''t have been able tond a job at this private school. Maybe she did just see wrong. Selena got into the car with her son, chatting as they drove. She asked him about his day at school, and he cheerfully replied that it was fun. A warm smile yed on her lips as she asked, "So, did you make any friends?"


    Little Mateo nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! They''re twins, and they wanted us to be blood brothers, making me their leader!"


    Selena was amused. "...Who are they?"


    Mateo tilted his head thoughtfully before replying, "Dn and Cindy."


    Selena''s lips twitched with a knowing smirk. No surprise there. They must be Jaime''s kids. Goofiness and dramatic ir seem to run in the family.


    That evening, Everett didn''te home. t was the first time since she and Mateo moved back to Moon Bay. Selena wasn''t too bothered, but it seemed to weigh on little Mateo, who kept ncing at the door, even though he usually acted like he couldn''t care less about his dad.


    Before bed, as hey in her arms, fighting sleep with droopy eyelids, he asked, "Mommy, why hasn''t Daddye home?"


    Selena paused her bedtime story, offering a soft smile. "Daddy''s just caught up with work, honey. He''ll be back once he''s done." The disappointment was clear in little Mateo''s eyes. After a moment, he whispered, "Mommy, did you and Daddy have a fight?" Selena''s heart skipped a beat. She looked down at him, surprised by his perceptiveness. Was Mateo really this sharp?


    She gently reassured him, "No, sweetheart, Mommy and Daddy didn''t fight. We''re good, okay? Don''t worry your little head."


    Mateo didn''t say anything, leaving her unsure if he believed her. She kissed his cheek softly. "Get some sleep now, you have school tomorrow."


    Mateo nodded obediently and closed his eyes. She stayed by his side, patting his back until he drifted off.


    Selena quietly left the room, noting that it was already past eleven. Mateo''s words lingered in her mind, leaving her restless. Being a


    first-time mom, she realized she


    might have taken too many things for granted. She''d thought he was too young to pick up on things, but kids can be surprisingly perceptive.


    After a shower, shey in bed, unable to sleep as her thoughts wandered, Mateo seemed to pretend ke didn''t like his dad, but in truth, he relied on him a lot. On his first day of school, he was eager to share everything, not just with her but with Everett too.


    She felt a twinge of jealousy. After all, how long had Mateo and Everett really spent together? But she understood; it''s natural for boys to admire strength, and Everett had that maic charm. Selena tossed and turned in bed.


    Meanwhile, elsewhere, Everett had no real social obligations that night. He simply didn''t want toe home to Selena''s cold demeanor. So, after leaving the office, he headed to a


    bar. It had been ages since hest allowed himself the luxury of a drink.